Agar-agar 1300 25 kg

Agar-Agar 1300: The Superior Natural Gelling Agent for Diverse Creations

Discover the remarkable gelling power of Agar-Agar 1300, a premium-grade ingredient sourced from China and produced by SHISHI XIELI OCEAN BIOCHEMISTRY CO.,LTD. This fine, white to off-white powder, derived from Gelidiaceae red algae, boasts an impressive gel strength of 1300 g/cm². Soluble in hot water above 95°C, Agar-Agar 1300 is an unparalleled natural alternative to gelatin, offering exceptional stability and versatility for a wide array of applications in food, cosmetics, and beyond.

Description and Key Features

Agar-Agar (INCI: Agar) is a natural hydrocolloid with strong gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Unlike gelatin, it's derived from plant sources, making it a popular choice for vegan and vegetarian applications. Its high gel strength of 1300 g/cm² means a smaller amount is needed to achieve a firm gel compared to lower-strength agars, offering both efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Key features and benefits:

• Exceptional Gel Strength: With a gel strength of 1300 g/cm², Agar-Agar 1300 forms firm, stable gels even at low concentrations, ensuring consistent and reliable results in your formulations.
• Plant-Based & Vegan-Friendly: Derived entirely from red algae, it's a perfect natural substitute for animal-derived gelatin, catering to a wide range of dietary and ethical preferences.
• High Melting Point: Gels made with Agar-Agar 1300 are stable at room temperature and have a higher melting point than gelatin, making them more suitable for products that need to withstand warmer conditions.
• Fine Powder Form: The fine powder ensures easy dissolution and smooth integration into various liquid bases, leading to homogenous and lump-free gels.
• Neutral Flavor and Odor: Its white to off-white color and neutral scent mean it won't interfere with the flavor or aroma of your final product.
• Superior Manufacturer: Produced by SHISHI XIELI OCEAN BIOCHEMISTRY CO.,LTD., a reputable brand known for quality biochemical products.

Versatile Applications and Usage Areas

Agar-Agar 1300 is a highly versatile ingredient with a broad spectrum of uses across various industries, particularly where gelling, thickening, and stabilizing are required. It is not used in candles.

• Culinary Applications (Food & Confectionery):
  • Vegan Desserts: Essential for creating vegan jellies, panna cotta, mousses, and custards. Its firm texture and high melting point make it ideal for layered desserts and confections that need to hold their shape.
  • Jams & Jellies: Acts as a natural thickener and gelling agent, providing a desirable consistency in homemade jams, marmalades, and fruit jellies.
  • Dairy-Free Products: Used to stabilize and thicken plant-based yogurts, cheeses, and ice creams, providing a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Baked Goods: Can be incorporated into glazes, fillings, and fruit tarts to create firm, sliceable layers and prevent sogginess.
  • Asian Cuisine: A traditional ingredient in various Asian desserts, aspics, and savory dishes where a firm, gelatinous texture is desired.
• Cosmetic Formulations:
  • Gelling Agent for Serums & Gels: Ideal for creating lightweight, non-greasy face and body gels, toners, and serums, providing a pleasant texture and enhancing spreadability.
  • Thickener for Emulsions: Can be used to stabilize and thicken creams, lotions, and balms, preventing separation of oil and water phases.
  • Face Masks: Forms a soft, hydrating gel base for peel-off masks or wash-off masks, delivering active ingredients effectively to the skin. It helps create a satisfying texture that adheres well to the skin.
  • Shampoos & Conditioners: Can act as a natural thickener in hair care products, improving viscosity and sensory feel.
  • Soaps: While not typically a primary gelling agent for traditional cold-process or melt-and-pour soaps, it can be used in specialty liquid soap formulations or as a thickening agent in liquid bath products.
  • Exfoliants: Can provide a gentle texture for gel-based exfoliants, holding abrasive particles in suspension.
• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnological Applications:
  • Culture Media: Widely used in microbiology as a solidifying agent for bacterial and fungal growth media in Petri dishes.
  • Controlled Release Systems: Explored in drug delivery systems due to its gelling properties and biocompatibility.

Solubility: For proper dissolution and gelling, Agar-Agar 1300 must be fully dissolved in hot water at temperatures of 95°C (203°F) or higher. It will then set as it cools to room temperature.

Cosmetic Recipe: "Aqua Boost" Hydrating Gel Face Mask

Create a refreshing and deeply hydrating gel face mask using Agar-Agar 1300 for a unique, natural texture that delivers moisture and active ingredients effectively.

Instructions for Preparation:

1. Sanitize: Thoroughly sanitize all your equipment (heat-resistant beakers, stirring rods, containers for the mask) with isopropyl alcohol and allow them to air dry completely.
2. Prepare Phase A (Heated Aqueous Phase): In a heat-resistant beaker, combine the distilled water and glycerin. While cold, sprinkle the Agar-Agar 1300 over the surface to prevent clumping.
3. Heat and Dissolve: Gently heat the mixture to 95°C (203°F) or higher while stirring constantly. Maintain this temperature and continue stirring until the Agar-Agar is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear. This usually takes a few minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Cool Down: Allow the mixture to cool to below 40°C (104°F), stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming and to ensure even cooling.
5. Add Phase B (Cool Down Phase): Once the mixture has cooled below 40°C, add the panthenol, allantoin, chosen preservative, and any optional essential oil/fragrance. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and dissolved.
6. Check pH (Recommended): Test the pH of your finished mask. For a face mask, an ideal pH range is typically 5.0-6.0. Adjust if necessary by adding a tiny drop of diluted lactic acid to lower pH.
7. Package: Carefully transfer the still-liquid (but cooling) gel mask into a clean, sterile jar or tube. The mask will continue to set as it cools completely to room temperature.

Recommendations for Application and Use:

• Proper Dissolution: The most critical step is ensuring Agar-Agar 1300 is fully dissolved in hot water (above 95°C). If it's not fully dissolved, your gel won't set properly.
• Cool Down Phase: Always add heat-sensitive ingredients (like most actives and preservatives) when the mixture has cooled to below 40°C to preserve their efficacy.
• Texture Control: The 1.5% concentration of Agar-Agar 1300 will result in a soft, spreadable gel. If you desire a firmer mask, you can increase the percentage slightly (e.g., 2%).
• Storage: Store the finished mask in a cool, dark place. The preservative ensures shelf life, but avoid extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
• Application: Apply a thin, even layer of the gel mask to clean, dry skin on the face, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use 1-2 times per week.
• Natural Alternative: Highlight that this mask is a great natural, vegan alternative to traditional gelatin-based masks.